Photo By Sgt. Eric Quintanilla | The children shake hands with each other after a soccer match, May 7, at Marine Corps...... read more read more
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Marine Corps Community Service at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego offers a variety of youth sports for dependents of active duty and retired military.
The MCRD youth sports are designed to encourage sportsmanship, working with others to attain a common goal and help develop skills in sports. The programs are designed for children ages four to 14 years old. Additionally, hosting the games on the depot allows Marines to see their children despite busy training schedules.
“The main focus is to let the Marines come see their kids,” said Rafael Aceves, the youth sports coordinator. “Drill instructors sometimes don’t see their kids at all when they’re in the trenches. They come for 15-20 minutes then go back.”
Cynthia Duron wanted her son to develop his soccer skills. She’s hoping playing soccer will give her son confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
“I want him to get active and involved in exercise,” said Duron.
MCCS offers these sports to help children achieve and maintain fitness, acquire a broad range of physical skills, develop a sense of teamwork, cooperation and fairness that leads to healthy, active lifestyles.
“The kids need to learn teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship,” said Cpl. Gabriela Venegas, the S-1 non-commissioned officer in charge for 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.
Venegas is a volunteer coach for the Tigers, a soccer team of 4- and 5-year-olds. This is her first season with youth sports. She has enjoyed watching them progress and grow as a team.
“At first the kids were really shy to play with other teams. Now they are doing great on game days, interacting with other kids, and their own team,” said Venegas. “They also have a basic understanding of soccer.”
MCCS offers 11 different sports programs throughout the year. Baseball and soccer are offered as yearlong programs. The teams practice once a week in the afternoon and games are on Saturdays. At the end of the season, every child will receive a trophy for participating.
“Trophies make the children feel good about themselves,” said Aceves. “Through recognition of their accomplishments, children gain confidence.”
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2011 15:58 |
| Story ID: | 70279 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, CALIF., CA, US |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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